Public Health England urged the Government in April 2020 to reduce it by 15,000 prisoners. Healthcare officials advised that an end to sharing cells was the most effective protection against the virus. Within six months of the warning, however, there were only 4,005 fewer people in prison, falling more than 10,000 short of the recommended reduction. Experts have expressed concerns about the future of prisons in England and Wales. Overcrowding in cells has been linked to an increase in poor mental health as thousands of prisoners must eat, sleep and use the toilet in one shared space. Overcrowding has also been linked to increased rates of violence, suicide and self-harm.
48% Yes |
52% No |
17% Yes |
43% No |
22% Yes, but they must perform community service on a daily basis |
5% No, but we should increase funding to offer education and skill building services for prisoners |
9% Yes, but place them under house arrest using an electronic bracelet |
4% No, we should build more prisons |
See how support for each position on “Prison Overcrowding” has changed over time for 1.7m UK voters.
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See how importance of “Prison Overcrowding” has changed over time for 1.7m UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@97XCYR71yr1Y
The system in general should be reformed from a punitive system to a more rehabilitative system
@99BNZ741yr1Y
I think more should be done to help people that have committed crimes to rehabilitate before prison time is issued.
@98G56SL1yr1Y
Yes, and reform the prison industrial complex entirely so that non violent offenders are not denied their liberty
@98DKGYY1yr1Y
Yes, to some extent. Should be case by case
@9LP96WC3 days3D
Yes, and increase funding to offer education, skill building services and mental health support for prisoners
@9LNSGGB4 days4D
generally yes, but there should still be montoring and some sort of limitation for the rest of their sentences. this is very situational.
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